vote down
B1 neutral separable transitive
In simple words
When a group votes and most people say 'no' to an idea or plan.
Literal meaning: To push something down with votes — the 'down' signals defeat or rejection.
Meanings
1 B1 neutral
To defeat or reject a proposal, bill, or motion by means of a vote.
"The Senate voted down the proposed tax reform for the third time this year."
"The House voted down the measure 228 to 205."
— The New York Times, various editions (common phrasing in US political reporting)
Grammar: separable
2 B2
idiomatic
neutral
To outvote and thereby silence or override an individual or minority group.
"Every time Maria raised the issue, she was voted down by the rest of the committee."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Common in political, parliamentary, and corporate contexts. The object is typically a bill, proposal, motion, or amendment. Used widely in both British and American English.
Commonly used with
bill motion proposal amendment measure resolution
Forms
Base
vote down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
votes down
he/she/it
Past simple
voted down
yesterday
Past participle
voted down
have + pp
-ing form
voting down
continuous
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Synonyms
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